Top Ten Beaches Cornwall

Ten Best Beaches Cornwall

There are lots of beautiful beaches in Cornwall all with a character of their own and something different to offer. Some of the Cornish beaches are busy with lots going on and others a much quieter place to relax and take in the noise of the sea. We have set out our favourite Top Ten Beaches In Cornwall below. If you would like to add somewhere please contact us. Or, view Full List of Beaches Cornwall.

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Pothminster Beach Cornwall is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and is definitely one of the best beaches in Cornwall. A beautiful crescent of golden sands bathed in the special "St Ives Light" with views over St Ives Bay and Godrevy Lighthouse in the distance. The sea is often calm at Porthminster and ideal for swimming when the Lifeguards are on duty in the summer season. Cafe and bistro are near by and you are a short walk from the centre of St Ives Cornwall.

Lifeguarded mid May until towards the end of September. Dog ban 1st May until 30th September 8am-7pm

CRANTOCK BEACH

Crantock Cornwall

Crantock Beach is close to Newquay Cornwall and is a beautiful large sandy beach, albeit often windswept, in Cornwall. The beach is popular with surfers, families and beach goers. At low tide there are plenty of rock pools filled with life to investigate. Access to the beach is through steep dunes and can be difficult particularly for push chairs. Crantock is lifeguarded during the summer months and is a dog friendly beach all year. There are cafes for refreshments.

Lifeguarded mid May until towards the end of September. Dog friendly beach in Cornwall all year.

Marazion Beach

Marazion Cornwall

The beach at Marazion Cornwall is set on Mount's Bay against the legendary backdrop of St Michael's Mount. Marazion beach is a long stretch of Cornish sand, shingle and stone. The sea is usually calm and ideal for families, although on occasions can become very wavy to the windsurfers and kitesurfers delight! The sea is a hive of activity, with windsurfing, kite-surfing, kayaking, gig rowing, swimming and paddling, although Marazion beach is long and so you can usually find a quiet spot. Set aside the town of Marazion Cornwall the beach has good facilities and is Lifeguarded in the summer season.

Seasonal dog ban 1st May - 30 September dogs banned 8am - 7pm. Lifeguarded from early July until Sept

CARBIS BAY BEACH

Carbis Bay Cornwall

Carbis Bay beach is a large expanse of golden Cornish sands, with views across St Ives Bay and Godrevy Lighthouse making it one of the best beaches in Cornwall. Usually sheltered with a usually calm sea which is good for bathing Carbis Bay beach has good paid for parking, cafe and toilets. Carbis Bay beach Cornwall is found near to St Ives Cornwall

Seasonal Dog ban - 1st May - 30th September 8am-7pm. Lifeguarded from early July until Sept

KYNANCE COVE

The Lizard Cornwall

Kynance Cove Cornwall is a National Trust beach situated on the Lizard Peninsula Cornwall and reached by a 10 / 15 minute walk down unmade paths (quite steep on the return). Nice Cornish sandy beach with large rock formations to explore. The beach is almost all covered at high tide but there are places on the surrounding grassy areas to sit. Facilities are limited with only a cafe and toilets in the summer season. Parking is good with a large paid for car park (unless you are a National Trust member).

PRAA SANDS

Praa Cornwall

Praa Sands Cornwall is a large expanse of golden Cornish sand popular with surfers due to the frequent surf and enjoyed by families and beach goers. There are good facilities with cafes, a beach hire place and shop, surf lessons offered, toilets and paid for parking. Lifeguarded in the summer season.

Lifeguarded early May until late Sept and some additional periods outside this time. Seasonal Dog ban Easter Day - 1st October dogs banned 7am - 7pm

SUMMERLEAZE BEACH

Bude Cornwall

Summerleaze beach Bude Cornwall is within walking distance from the centre of Bude. Bude open air sea pool is set at the back of the beach and is a fun place to swim if you do not fancy the sea, which is particularly handy as Bude often gets powerful seas with high waves, which makes it popular with surfers but can make the pool a nice calm alternative. Summerleaze beach Bude is a fabulous beach in Cornwall and has good facilities nearby including a cafe and is a nice place to spend a day. There is a beach wheelchair available for hire from Summerleaze Beach Office.

Dog friendly beach all year although dogs must be kept on a lead between 10am and 6pm from 21st May - 30th September. Lifeguarded early May until late Sept

NEWQUAY BEACHES

Newquay has lots of great beaches all with beautiful golden sands and all with something different to offer including Fistral beach the most famous surfing beach in Cornwall. The town centre beaches of Tolcarne, Great Western and Towan are popular with families and beachgoers. Most Newquay Beaches have seasonal lifeguards and are dog friendly all year. Read more about Newquay beaches.

Porthgwidden

BEACH

St Ives Cornwall

One of the four St Ives Cornwall Beaches Porthgwidden is a small sheltered sandy cove on the east side of St Ives Island. The views from Porthgwidden are spectacular with the boats coming too and from from St Ives harbour and Godrevy Lighthouse in the distance. The beach is popular with families due to it's sheltered position and usually calm sea. Backed by beach huts, a take away cafe and small restaurant Porthgwidden is a lovely place to spend a relaxing afternoon and a beautiful beach in Cornwall. For those who don't like sand there are benches overlooking the beach and the grassy areas of The Island nearby. There are toilets near the beach.

Gyllyngvase Beach situated on the outskirts of Falmouth Cornwall is a sandy crescent backed by beautifully well maintained gardens showing many unusual plants thriving due to the mild climate in Cornwall. The sea here is usually calm and excellent for bathing. Falmouth's biggest beach Gyllyngvase is popular with families and beach goers. Facilities are excellent with toilets by the beach, a take away and cafe. The car parks (paid for) are near and there is good level access from the car parks. There are benches along the back of the beach. Lifeguarded in the summer season. Seasonal dog ban Easter Day - 1st October Lifeguarded mid May until end of September